Girl, 15, raped by masked man in Edinburgh city centre

Police are hunting for a masked man after a teenage girl was raped in a basement area in Edinburgh City Centre.

The 15-year-old was approached by the man wearing a balaclava at a bus stop by Marks and Spencer on Princes Street at around 5am on Sunday. He then led her on foot to York Place.

The suspect then raped the girl in a basement area in the street before leaving in the direction of Dublin Street.

He is described as a white man with blond stubble/beard who spoke with a Scottish accent.

Edinburgh: Enquiries are ongoing. STV News

He was wearing a black zip up hooded top, khaki green trousers, and Nike trainers and was wearing a black balaclava at the time of the attack.

A dedicated police unit is now carrying out door to door enquiries and checking all relevant CCTV footage in an effort to catch the perpetrator.

Detective inspector Mhairi Cooper from the Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh said: “This was a frightening incident for the girl and we have specialist officers supporting her and her family.

“From extensive enquiries within Edinburgh City Centre, we know the suspect approached her on Princes Street and then led her onto South St David Street, around St Andrew Square, onto Queen Street, then to York Place.

“Despite the early morning there was daylight in this busy commercial area. I am asking people who were within the area at the time and could have seen the suspect alone or with the victim, to come forward.

“CCTV from the New Town area is being gathered and checked – I would ask anyone with private systems to check these and submit anything of relevance to us as soon as possible.

“We continue to carry out door to door enquiries and I’d appeal to local residents and businesses in New Town who may have premises off street level to check any storage areas or lock ups and report any suspicious items or behaviour to us.”

Chief inspector Brian Manchester, local area commander, said: “We understand an incident such as this is concerning for the local community, and we have a dedicated enquiry team working on this investigation.

“Anyone with concerns should speak to officers without hesitation.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 0136 of May 27, 2025. An anonymous report can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.